1883 Pattern Reich's Revolver "Show and tell"

[huntervixen]

Hi all,

Another in an occasional series of the more interesting Classics that have come my way, this beauty is on it's way back to the shooting range, as it's new owner intends adding it to his Section 7 FAC..... S&W.44 Russian is a good replacement for the 10.6mm I believe.

This is a WW1 issued, Officers Reichsrevolver model 1883.
It has a hexagonal and round 4.5 inch barrel, and is six shot single action. 10.6 mm caliber. (Obsolete, no license required).

The last factory contract was in 1891 for Bavarian models, like this example.
Made by the SUHL Consortium for the Bavarian Army, the GF (Gewehrfabrik) proof on the frame and cylinder denote a Bavarian Army contract weapon.

The condition is excellent, with much remaining bluing. The metal is in excellent condition, with no pitting or rust anywhere and nice sharp edges. just a couple of very light bumps to the hexagonal part of the barrel (I am being over critical !) All the serial numbers match on this gun except for the cylinder.

The barrel, frame screws, loading gate, cylinder pin and safety lever all match GF5901, the cylinder is marked GF2587. It is the correct Bavarian GF marked cylinder and has clearly been with the gun since almost new, so perhaps a factory or battlefield mix up !

Unit marked "B.7. A.5.47" on the back strap, which stands for for "7th Royal Bavarian Field Artillery Regiment, 5th Battery, 47th Weapon" (In WW1 Rudolf Hess served with this unit). It has not been struck out and re-issued which is quite rare for one of these.

All markings on this gun are superb, nice and clear V.S.C. C.G.H.SUHL oval and 10.6 for caliber are all there and crisp.There are lots of inspectors marks on the gun also. The wood grips are fine, the action works like all Reichsrevolvers real tight with rock solid lockup. The safety works, the bore has great super crisp rifling .

The SUHL guns were the highest quality made Reichsrevolver with nickel plated hammer, screw heads, safety lever and trigger !

It is believed they were issued to Volksturm units in WW2 and it is the only WW1 pistol you can own as an antique !!

Cheers all and have a good weekend, John.

[Watcher]

Not the most attractive of pistols but an interesting one certainly.

[PaulR]

John,

Interesting design. S&W .44 Russian is a good S7 collectors calibre as there quite a few classics produced in it.

Recently a mate of mine picked up a beautiful Colt S.A in that calibre and from what I understand, there are a few S&W M1917s around, something I've been trying to find for some time.

Something puzzles me though about the Reich Revolver in your photo', the gap between the front of cylinder and the start of the barrel - if that's as good as it gets, I wouldn't want to put my fingers beside it when being shot.

It's not one of those crazy Russian designs where the cylinder moves forward on cocking is it?

Cheers

Paul

[huntervixen]

John,

Interesting design. S&W .44 Russian is a good S7 collectors calibre as there quite a few classics produced in it.

Recently a mate of mine picked up a beautiful Colt S.A in that calibre and from what I understand, there are a few S&W M1917s around, something I've been trying to find for some time.

Something puzzles me though about the Reich Revolver in your photo', the gap between the front of cylinder and the start of the barrel - if that's as good as it gets, I wouldn't want to put my fingers beside it when being shot.

It's not one of those crazy Russian designs where the cylinder moves forward on cocking is it?

Cheers

Paul

Hi Paul,

I know mate, one hell of a "flash gap" isn't it......Imagine the scene, you are a German officer creeping across "No mans land" at night, you see the enemy right in front and pull the trigger..... you are lit up like a bloody Christmas tree and the guys either side of you are blinded!

No it's not a gas seal type....just a big old gap....interesting revolver though...built like a JCB...with a completely pointless safety lever....god save us from design by committee!

This example was in marvelous serviceable condition, quite rare because most surviving examples are in poor order.

Luckily .44 Russian is a good substitute for the original 10.6mm, in fact Russian troops used it in captured examples into early WW2 I believe.

I will chase it's new owner up to see how he's getting on with adding it to his S 7...Can't imagine any of these are being used in the UK today.....any Full-bore members no of any still in use?

S&W M1917s in that chambering are jaw droppingly expensive in good shooting order....but bloody good fun though!

Cheers, John.

[Dougan]

I know next to nothing about antique pistols, but these photos are excellent :goodjob:

The S&W Model 3 is my favorite so far tongueout

[siamsteve1968]

I used to have one of these in 44-40. It was given to me by a SAS Trooper in Rhodesia, Got stolen in a breakin in California in 1992

[huntervixen]

I know next to nothing about antique pistols, but these photos are excellent :goodjob:

The S&W Model 3 is my favorite so far tongueout

Cheers Dougan, I am a Photographer by trade....so there is no excuse for bad pics from me!

What do you think of me posting rare de-activated weapons next.....or is it a step to far for some on here.....I don't want any fainting.....or hate mail :lol: